Author: Terri Wangle

Practical Social Media Tips for Businesses

Posted on April 21, 2017 by Terri Wangle - Advice

Welcome to the latest blog post from CC: PDX, your Portland copywriting experts. Terri Wangle, CC:PDX member and owner of Spotlight Ink, recently reported about the “tipping point of brand awareness” with social media expert Cara Chace. Now Terri is back with some practical social media tips for businesses.

Tip #1: Be aware. Be kind. Keep your customer in mind.

While you focus on the big and little details of running an organization, your clients don’t care about that minutia. It seems brutal, but think about your customers’ view. They care about what you can do for them—and they want to see that customer focus in your content. (And honestly, don’t you have the same thoughts when you’re the customer?)

The saying above is cheesy, but if you can develop a thoughtful mindset for your clients, you’ll keep your content relevant and reduce the chance that you’ll inadvertently irritate customers with the wrong words.

Tip #2: Evaluate your word choice

Follow this rule of thumb for short Facebook posts or a long blog: Write first. Edit second. This strategy will reduce the chances of overthinking and inflicting writer’s block. Plus, you can evaluate word choice when editing, making your content work for you—not against you. Ann Handley explains this “word power” in her book, Everybody Writes:

“Embrace the idea (as I said in the Introduction) that your words are your Web currency: they are a proxy, a stand-in for the important things you want to convey to your customers, and the world. I want your readers and followers and audience to enjoy your words more, and I want you to maybe even feel a little proud of them. But getting to that point requires—in all of us—a crucial shift: viewing the words we use as an important piece of who we (and our companies) are online.”

Some helpful ideas for evaluating your word choice:

1) Remember: verbs demonstrate value by illustrating what will happen when a person interacts with your company. Verbs generate buy-in and set clear client expectations, because people will understand how you’re solving a problem or filling a need.

2) Remember: adjectives can alienate, because they often carry subjective qualities that can confuse or even irritate readers who might hold a different perspective than you. Maintain your focus on the customer, and pick adjectives that would be interesting/informative and obvious if that client were physically interacting with your product, talking with your crew, calling you on the phone, etc. Again, it goes back to verbs; then, the adjectives will naturally fit into the writing because they are reflecting the client’s real perspective and experience. Plus, with mindful editing, you can toss empty filler adjectives, like exceptional, great, perfect.

Tip #3: Look for unintended meaning.

Did you really want to say that? Is it accurate? Is it inadvertently perverted, silly, or awkward? A final (even quick!) review will help you avoid unintended embarrassing moments, like when Starbucks muddled the proofing process and used the words “Klamath Falls” next to an icon of Multnomah Falls. (LINK: http://www.oregonlive.com/trending/2016/11/starbucks_flubs_oregon-themed.html)

In the best cases, the misstep makes people laugh or groan (like Starbucks). In the worst case, an uninformed word choice harms client relationships or even tarnishes the company’s brand. Like writer and Author Bill Walsh explains, “A puerile sense of humor can be a big asset in the word business. I call it the Beavis and Butthead factor. (Heh-heh—he said “big asset”!) … You should know why stiff and come were to be avoided in Clinton impeachment stories. These things can be subtle. … .”

Mr. Walsh included this reminder in his book, Lapsing Into A Comma. He titled the section “Dirty Mind, Clean Copy,” but the concept extends to all your content. Remove unwanted double entendres. Edit distorted content for clarity. And, unlike Starbucks, double check details.

Need help crafting content? Contact a member of the CC:PDX.

The Tipping Point of Brand Awareness: A Q&A with Cara Chace

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Terri Wangle - Advice, Resources

Welcome to the latest blog post from CC: PDX, your Portland copywriting experts. Terri Wangle, CC:PDX member and owner of Spotlight Ink, recently discussed social media, brand awareness, and practical business strategies with Cara Chace, a go-to professional in the digital marketing and social media strategy realm.

Terri Wangle: How do businesses pick the right social media platform?

Cara Chace: “First, business owners need to have a very clear picture of their audience and to research where their audience is online. Start by searching for ‘social media demographics.’ Besides Google, just ask people.”

TW: List must-do first steps when launching your social media account?

CC: “Decide how you and your employees will share online as a brand, and make a decision tree for who and how you answer clients’ questions. Consistently engage on platforms where you find your clients and interact with them, answer questions, and share valuable information. Remember timeliness is the rule of social media.”

TW: Explain the 80-20 rule.

CC: “Nobody wants to see your sales. If all you’re posting is a 20-percent-off promo, they won’t care. Make sure you’re sharing valuable, interesting, or entertaining information 80 percent of the time. You’re earning the right to share that 20 percent of sales pitches. Remember, the same people are engaging on different platforms for different reasons, like Facebook is a brain break and LinkedIn is for networking and expanding professional expertise. It also helps to expand your definition of ‘valuable.’ It could be that you make someone laugh—but the content always needs to align with your brand voice and your company’s two or three predetermined subject areas.”

TW: The fear of encountering an upset customer sometimes keeps business owners from using social media. How do you recommend businesses plan and proceed?

CC: “It goes back to the foundation and knowing how you talk and engage online, like the type of words we use or don’t use. You want to make sure your team is on the same page and that you’ve empowered your people to answer clients. Another way of looking at this scenario: Instead of freaking out, like deciding someone is just a jerk, remember that people who are upset will often become your biggest advocates when you (the business owner) make it right.

My biggest recommendation: take it off-line as soon as possible. For example, a restaurant responds quickly and publicly to an unhappy customer, showing others that they care and are paying attention. The restaurant provides directions and immediate connection the decision-maker who can make it right. Make sure everyone on your team knows the key person and how the plan works. Don’t just list ‘customer_care@restaurant.com’ or an 800 number. Also, never call attention to the ‘negative’ review by asking that person to change it. Hopefully, you’ll have gone above and beyond, and they will probably change the review themselves. Final thought, the absolute worst thing you can do is to ignore somebody. So, check your social media at least once a day.”

TW: How would you recommend dealing with an abusive commenter?

CC: “Depending on what platforms you’re using, you have different tools and approaches. Like if you’re on a Facebook group, you should have very specific rules for what is allowed and not allowed. I’ve adopted an idea that I heard from another expert: ‘I’m not here to give you a warning.’ There’s different ways to polish that message to match your brand voice, but if they are a jerk, they’re gone. At this point, customer service is protecting your ‘tribe,’ the people who are there because they want to consume your content. Some specifics: if someone is just being ridiculous and cursing, just delete the comment. There’s nothing wrong with that … there’s no obligation if someone is coming at you and your tribe with that kind of attitude. They are responsible for being a decent human being. And, if they continue to come back, block them.”

TW: What is the most helpful rule of thumb for using social media as a business or nonprofit?

CC: “Consistency! It’s the only thing that will ever get your business to the tipping point of brand awareness that social media is designed for. Your business needs to build that know-like-and-trust factor with people. It has opened up our world, and it lets people have a relationship with your brand. They are giving you their time and attention. Don’t take it for granted. It is invaluable. Also, don’t think of social media in terms of likes: ‘I only got two likes on my post.’ It’s more quality instead of quantity. So, challenge yourself and give the best—Remember? Valuable, interesting, or entertaining—and people will see that value and follow your brand. Another practical note about the importance of consistency: algorithms! Most platforms are based on algorithms. Facebook. Instagram. And they won’t show your stuff when you’re not consistently present. Start small and get your flow and system … don’t go crazy and burn out and drop off. The same goes for your website. If someone goes to your website and you’ve not updated it (especially your blog), it shows that you’re not serious. If you’re not consistent, people automatically wonder if you’re still in business. Be consistent!”

Need more help with your social media? Check out Cara’s “Top 5 Ways to Make Your Social Media Kick Ass in 2017.” Need help crafting content? Contact one of the Portland Copywriters..

Define and Write Useful You-You Content

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Terri Wangle - Advice, Resources

When you’re writing copy, remember it is about you (the businessperson) and “the other” you (the client). Useful you-you content helps grow solid professional and personal relationships that form your client base.

To create your “you-you” message, demonstrate that you’re able to fill a person’s need or desire with your specific service or product (Talk about benefits that are pertinent to clients!) Also, provide additional free useful tips that improve their lives.

Try these helpful steps for defining and writing your message.

Brainstorm and think like your client. Write everything that comes to mind.

What need do you fill? (Think basics, like saving time, reducing stress, creating beauty, etc.)
How do you meet that need? (Think method of filling those basics, like offering professional cleaning services to save time and reduce stress.)
Why should he/she buy your product or service? (Think what sets your product/service apart.)
Why should he/she work with you? (Think professional business bio, including your background, training, etc., which supports your credibility.

Define your message with the client’s point of view in mind.

Review and use your brainstorming notes to write a focused message that demonstrates how your product/service meets a client’s needs.
Include clear directions (aka, a call to action). Use verbs—like “call, read, click”—that invite people to learn more and interact with you.

Use this client-focused message as the foundation for your consistent brand.

Remember that your clients are busy! They’re filtering content in about eight seconds. A 2015 study by Microsoft Canada showed people’s attention span dropping from 12 to eight seconds. While the report acknowledged that, “digital lifestyles affect the ability to remain focused for extended periods of time,” it highlighted helpful insight for marketers and business owners. “When consumers are looking for something to care about at every moment, rapid fire tactics like branded content, native advertising and generally useful, entertaining, and shareable content are best.”

While your message might grow and evolve, don’t confuse clients with a constantly shifting brand. If your clients need to work hard to recognize your company, they might stop interacting with you. Stick to the message that addresses their needs—and maintains your business relationship.

Good luck and happy writing!

Recent Articles